1 to tell somebody about something, especially in an official wayinform somebody (of/about something)Please inform us of any changes of address.The leaflet informs customers about healthy eating.He went to inform them of his decision.Inform me at once if there are any changes in her condition.Have the police been informed?inform somebody that…I have been reliably informed(= somebody I trust has told me) that the couple will marry next year.A notice informed the guests that formal dress was required.I am pleased to inform you that you have won first prize in this month’s competition.inform somebody + speech‘He's already left,’ she informed us.inform somebody when, where, etc…I have not been informed when the ceremony will take place.

2inform yourself (of/about something)to find out information about somethingWe need time to inform ourselves thoroughly of the problem.

3inform something(formal)to have an influence on somethingReligion informs every aspect of their lives.These guidelines will be used to inform any future decisions.

Word OriginMiddle Englishenforme, informe‘give form or shape to’, also ‘form the mind of, teach’, from Old Frenchenfourmer, from Latininformare

‘shape, fashion, describe’

, from in-

‘into’

+ forma

‘a form’

.Extra examplesI am not advising you. I am merely informing you of the situation.I regret to inform you that you have been unsuccessful in your application.Many people questioned whether patients were informed adequately of the risks.Next time you decide to take some action, kindly inform me.Students are clearly informed that drugs will not be tolerated.The clinic is required to inform the patient about possible alternative treatments.We will immediately inform you of any changes to the programme.efforts to inform young people about the dangers of drugsI am pleased to inform you that you have won first prize in this month’s competition.I have been reliably informed that the couple will marry next year.Phrasal Verbsinform on somebody